Every day brings something new to the table for Dan Murphy ‘05, director of football communications for the Cleveland Browns organization. Whether it be helping players develop their public image, handling daily media operations, or adjusting team communications based on the latest players, injuries, or stats, Murphy has his hands full.
One task he may have never expected though, was getting the call to write a Hall of Fame acceptance speech for a player and friend. Joe Thomas, former left-tackle for the Browns, is a longtime friend of Murphy, having been hired to the Browns organization only a year apart.
Murphy has written countless speeches for Thomas in the past and the two even co-authored Thomas’ biography with a third author. Given Murphy’s ability to capture a player’s essence in their speeches, it is no surprise that Thomas once again turned to a friend when writing the acceptance speech for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Murphy has spent the last 12 years learning how to adapt and create compelling communication tactics for the Cleveland Browns, but he first found his love for sports communication as a communication major and student athlete at Hiram College.
During his time at Hiram, Murphy was able to intern under the sports information director in the Athletics Department. There, he learned more about the field he was passionate about and saw directly how an athletics department operates, as well as how it affects the players.
Back then Murphy may have never dreamed of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write a Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech, but his story goes to show that anything is possible when you are willing to tackle new obstacles.
By: Taylor Cook
